Connect with us

Published

on

Conservative peer Ruth Davidson does not think Mark Menzies will survive the week as an MP.

The ex-Tory MP for Fylde in Lancashire is being investigated by his party over reports in The Times that he misused campaign funds.

Mr Menzies disputes the allegations but the Conservative Party said it is taking them “seriously” and “will always investigate matters put to them”.

Politics latest: Tories hit historic low in new poll

The report alleges that Mr Menzies rang a 78-year-old former staff member at 3.15am last December, saying he was locked in a flat by “bad people” and needed £5,000 as a matter of “life and death”.

The sum, which rose to £6,500, was eventually paid by his office manager from her personal bank account and subsequently reimbursed from funds raised from donors in an account named Fylde Westminster Group, the newspaper says.

Speaking to Beth Rigby on the Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Ruth – who led the Scottish Conservatives for almost a decade – predicts that Mr Menzies will resign.

More on Conservatives

She said: “The Tories were supposedly told about this three months ago, and this is the first we’re hearing about it.

“And by reading the story, it looks very much like this lady told her local association, raised the red flag, then told the parliamentary authorities.

“The chief whip then told CCHQ, which is Tory HQ. Nothing’s happened and now she’s quoted in the newspapers.

“So, I mean, it does appear that there’s local association wrath about the way they’ve been treated by this MP. So, you know, I think this is a very difficult one, and I would find it difficult to believe that an investigation can be held and he can be cleared in time to stand a general election.

“In fact, I would be surprised if he survives the week here and doesn’t just resign.”

Read more:
Ex-Tory MP Scott Benton suspended from Commons
Ex-Tory MP Peter Bone’s partner chosen to run as his replacement
Tory MP at centre of sexting scandal quits parliamentary party

Pic: UK Parliament
Image:
Mr Menzies disputes the allegations against him. Pic: UK Parliament

In a statement to The Times, Mr Menzies said: “I strongly dispute the allegations put to me. I have fully complied with all the rules for declarations. As there is an investigation ongoing I will not be commenting further.”

A spokesman for the Tories said: “The Conservative Party is investigating allegations made regarding a member of parliament. This process is rightfully confidential.

“The party takes all allegations seriously and will always investigate any matters put to them.”

Mr Menzies has stepped down as a government trade envoy, and had the whip removed on Wednesday evening.

Losing the whip means Mr Menzies is no longer a member of the Conservative parliamentary party and will sit as an independent MP, rather than a Tory MP, in the House of Commons.

The party’s chief whip Simon Hart is said to have been made aware of the claims in January, when the former campaign manager reported what had happened.

Listen to this week’s episode from 6am on Friday and tap here to follow Electoral Dysfunction wherever you get your podcasts ?

Sky News understands there has been an investigation ongoing by Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) since the allegations were first raised but further information came to light yesterday and Mr Hart acted immediately.

A spokesperson for the chief whip said: “Following a call with the chief whip, Mark Menzies has agreed to relinquish the Conservative whip, pending the outcome of an investigation.”

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: “We are aware of reports in the media relating to a serving Member of Parliament. No complaint has been made to the police at this stage.

“We will make contact with those impacted in due course to see whether they wish to make a complaint.”

Continue Reading

Politics

US lawmakers to discuss crypto tax policy amid push to pass three bills

Published

on

By

US lawmakers to discuss crypto tax policy amid push to pass three bills

US lawmakers to discuss crypto tax policy amid push to pass three bills

The hearing notice suggested a focus on a tax framework for digital assets, but did not mention specific witnesses or policies previously proposed.

Continue Reading

Politics

Japan’s Gates to tokenize $75M in Tokyo real estate on Oasys blockchain

Published

on

By

Japan’s Gates to tokenize M in Tokyo real estate on Oasys blockchain

Japan’s Gates to tokenize M in Tokyo real estate on Oasys blockchain

Gates Inc. and Oasys’s partnership is one of Japan’s largest real estate tokenization projects, with phase 1 aiming to expand liquidity to $34 billion.

Continue Reading

Politics

Why Boris’s best mate is off to Reform

Published

on

By

Why Boris's best mate is off to Reform

👉Listen to Politics at Sam and Anne’s on your podcast app👈       

Former Conservative chairman and friend of Boris Johnson – Sir Jake Berry – is defecting to Reform UK, causing more problems for Tory leader Kemi Badenoch.

On today’s episode, Sky News’ Sam Coates and Politico’s Anne McElvoy discuss if his defection will divide parts of Reform policy.

Elsewhere, the Anglo-French summit gets under way, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hoping to announce a migration deal with French President Emmanuel Macron to deter small boat crossings.

Plus, chatter around Whitehall that No10 are considering a pre-summer reshuffle, but will it have any value?

Continue Reading

Trending